Phuket or Samui are cheaper. Phuket or Koh Samui - where is the best place to relax? Koh Samui and Phuket: comparison of beaches
Some of the most popular islands are forced to be in constant competition, which cannot but please tourists. After all, making the vacation unforgettable for guests is their main goal. Phuket or Koh Samui - where is it better to relax? If today you need a clean coastline and silence around, this is definitely Samui with its measured pace of life, but if you need company and crazy parties for relaxation, this is Phuket.
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The “velvet” season on Samui is from the second half of December to February, when everything on the island will favor your holiday: cloudless sky, sun, comfortable water and air temperature (26 degrees), big waves and fruit heaven. And if December and January still sometimes allow precipitation at night, then February will provide ideal weather throughout the entire month. This period attracts many tourists, and therefore the price of hotels and inns will jump by 20%.
For those who can easily tolerate the heat, there is an opportunity to significantly reduce costs and fly here in the spring. From March to April there is a calm sea and clear skies, but the thermometer will remain at 30-34 degrees. A hat and sunscreen will protect you from the scorching sun, and swimming will help you cool down. Summer takes second place after the “velvet” season: it is marked by long-awaited coolness and gusty but warm wind. September, October and November are the least favorable months for holidays, however you will be able to catch a few sunny days.
The average temperature in Phuket does not fall below 26 degrees and does not rise above 32 degrees all year round. But still best season For beach holiday considered the period from December to February with their stable clear weather, delightful sunsets and quiet Cote d'Azur. However, this time is characterized by a crazy influx of tourists, and therefore the quality of service at beaches, hotels and restaurants decreases. But from March to May, the cost of tours decreases, the time for showers has not yet come, and the sun, although equatorially hot, does not hide behind the clouds.
The possibility of getting heatstroke or sunburn in the summer is reduced to zero. The weather is unstable, but short-term rains will make your holiday varied and dilute your lazy time by the sea with exciting excursions to the sights of Phuket. September, October and November are the period of contemplation of raging nature: surfers try to master the obstinate waves, tourists admire the stormy flows of waterfalls, local residents are preparing for national rites in honor of the Full Moon Festival.
Rain season
The location of Samui in the tropical zone suggests a large number of precipitation. But if in winter and spring there are almost none, then in autumn, especially in November, frightening thunderstorms and monsoon winds occur. This phenomenon, mesmerizing with its power, is characteristic only of the southern exotic countries, so catch this natural miracle will be considered a great success and will be remembered for a lifetime.
Autumn is a golden period for lovers of windsurfing and wakeboarding, an excellent opportunity to try yourself extreme sports sea sports. The island is also blossoming: rare species of plants and exotic fruits appear. In 20-30 minutes, the rain will end as unexpectedly as it began, and the sun will warm the earth in a couple of hours and compensate you for several rainy hours with a warm, gentle tan.
Phuket is at the mercy of winds and rains from late August to early November, but even during this period they try not to disturb guests and operate at night. During the day, if such a whim of nature arises, it will be literally for an hour or two. Almost the entire island is surrounded by coral reefs, on which two-meter waves break. Of course, you won’t be able to take part in taming the waves with children, but young people waiting for the surf are often found on the coast. Don’t be upset if the restless winds don’t allow you to swim with your child - on the neighboring islands, for example Phi Phi, there is always a calm and a mirror-like sea.
Where is it cheaper to travel on your own?
The cost of tickets includes round-trip flights (vacation duration 7-14 days).
Spring flights to Phuket have a record low cost compared to others, but the most pleasing thing this year is the first ten days of December - for a couple of weeks the ticket price will not exceed 30,000 rubles, which is a great success for the “dry” season. The red flag for summer flights should not scare you – high prices They relate only to weekends, but on weekdays the average ticket price is 36,700 rubles.
The “biting” ticket prices in the case of Koh Samui are explained by the lack of direct flights to this island. But many vacationers don’t mind overpaying ten thousand for the sake of wild nature, local color and exotic individuality, not yet spoiled by the benefits of civilization.
The cost of flights throughout the year is approximately the same, but it is better to hold off on traveling in January - prices there are especially inflated, while the first half of December and the whole of February will save you 5,000-10,000 rubles.
Entertainment
The undisputed leader water activities Chaweng Beach is considered to have all kinds of extreme recreation, ranging from banana boat rides ($6/10 min.) or jet ski ($3/20 min.), ending with a leisurely walk on a sailboat ($45/hour), speedboat ($152/hour), or fishing ( $180/4 hours – for 4 people).
For diving, you should go to the turtle island of Koh Tao, where one of the best diving schools is located. water sports(price one day tour, which includes training and practice – $50). Jungles, caves and wildlife await you at the National Marine Park“Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park” ($6 – adults, $3 – children).
You can try to comprehend Buddhist wisdom in the Secret Buddha Garden with its stone sculptures sacred animals, evil spirits and Buddha himself ($2.5), and delve into the peculiarities of Thai culture in “Dusit Dhewa”, cultural center cities, where the traditional house and life of this people are shown ($1.5). Thailand is famous for its love of butterflies and insects, and in Samui alone there are two museum complexes in their honor: Samui Butterful Garden/Insect Museum ($6 for adults, $3.5 for children) and Samui Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom ($9).
Observation platforms, waterfalls, fancy rocks They will meet you on your way every 100 meters, just have time to take pictures. As for entertainment for adults, nightclubs, bars, transvestite shows are in abundance, where girls usually get free entry with the purchase of one cocktail.
Phuket can pamper tourists with a variety of leisure activities. These include petting zoos (meetings with predatory tigers and peace-loving elephants), educational lessons on cooking national Thai dishes ($80/lesson), and visits to Thai boxing competitions ($50-75), and all kinds of relaxing massages (from $6 up to $25 per session).
If you are interested in the history of this country, then the Thalang National Museum in Phuket is better than others in showing and telling about the ancient artifacts found on the territory of this city, about the Chinese people, about the culture of the sea gypsies ($3 for adults, $1.5 for children). “Flying Hanuman” will give you an unforgettable experience of flying through the jungle - on a suspended cable you will be carried from one tree to another like a monkey ($70-75). And for nightlife, tourists turn to Bangla Road, where you can get flyers for free entry to clubs, bars and 18+ shows with the participation of ladyboys.
Excursions
Experienced travelers recommend starting your dive into Koh Samui with sightseeing tours. group excursions around the island by car or on foot. They usually include elephant riding, visiting several Buddhist temples, inspection of natural attractions (waterfalls, mountains). The price of such a hike/trip is $150-200 for a group of 4-5 people and will take 3-5 hours.
And then you can stop at one thing: be it a “yoga day” ($120/person), when your body will endlessly undergo relaxing procedures; shopping tour ($42/person), thanks to which you will be able to save time searching for the right store to purchase gifts for your family; a jeep safari, which will make you produce adrenaline at the sight of predators a meter away from you ($48/person), or an eight-hour cruise on a yacht passing by paradise islands($121/person).
Excursions in Phuket are mainly concentrated around the nearby islands: people go to the Similan Islands for the diversity of the underwater world, whose curious inhabitants are leopard sharks and giant turtles, and Phi Phi is famous for the best night discos on the seashore and colorful fire shows. Group trips to the islands by boat will cost $50-100 per person.
Sightseeing tours with tasting of Thai dishes cost $25 per person, and individual tours by car start from $72. The nightlife in Phuket will justify even the wildest fantasies of tourists - “Go-Go” bars with dancing girls on the beer counter, performances by transvestites performing tricks with animals, and XXX shows with intimate competitions starting at $29.
Hotels
The best hotels on Koh Samui:
- — located a few kilometers from the airport on Chawengnoi beach, the hotel has gardens, sun terraces, outdoor panoramic pools, two restaurants with Italian cuisine
- — suitable for married couples with children, for the latter there is a free game Zone, for adults – health spa center
- Deva Beach Resort& Spa 4* - a beautiful villa near the Big Buddha statue on the beach with swimming pools in the rooms and large comfortable beds
- The Fair House Beach Resort & Hotel 4* - located on Chawengnoi beach and has access to its own bar-restaurant on the shore, all rooms are equipped with children's furniture, there are children's pools and playgrounds in the courtyard
- — located on the shores of Mae Nam beach, includes free breakfast– buffet, has everything necessary for children
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
In a quiet oasis by Laem Yai Bay
98 reviews
Booked 5 times today
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Vana Belle, A Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui
Luxury suites and villas with private pool
199 reviews
Booked 10 times today
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Deva Beach Resort & Spa
Spa, 3 outdoor pools and promenade
505 reviews
Booked 20 times today
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The Fair House Beach Resort & Hotel
447 reviews
Booked 9 times today
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Escape Beach Resort
Fresh water beach pool and hillside tropical pool
2485 reviews
Booked 24 times today
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The best hotels in Phuket:
- - health resort on Ratsada beach with mass entertainment complexes V walking distance
- - villa with kitchenette and balcony in each room, roof terrace and children's club
- - hotel high class with own kitchen and balcony near Phuket Island
- - located on Patong Beach, offering entertainment for children and wellness Spa treatments for adults
- - a mid-level hotel near Bangla Road with a minimum room configuration, close to markets and beaches of Patong, Tri Trang, Freedom
The Westin Siray Bay Resort& Spa
3 infinity pools and a wide range of fitness facilities
730 reviews
Booked 17 times today
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The Village Coconut Island Beach Resort
From 1-2 bedroom suites to 2-5 bedroom villas
826 reviews
Booked 30 times today
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Naithonburi Beach Resort
Outdoor pool, fitness center and garden
19 reviews
Booked 5 times today
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Centara Blue Marine Resort & Spa Phuket
Spa, fitness center, 3 outdoor pools
198 reviews
Booked 6 times today
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The Natural Resort
Free shuttle, outdoor pool and Thai restaurant
75 reviews
Booked 4 times today
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Service
Thailand is a very hospitable country for tourists and you will be convinced of this from the first steps, when upon arrival the hotel administration will contact you and inform you about a transfer waiting for you at the entrance to take you directly to the hotel. Then, at the 24-hour reception, a staff member who speaks your language or at least English will be selected for you, and the concierge will take your things to your room. Wi-Fi, parking, breakfast will not require additional costs, and for a small fee you can use the laundry services, spa center and children's animators.
Most hotels have roof terraces, gardens, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, children's water complexes, hairdressers, fitness rooms, saunas and game rooms, which are included in the room price. You can order it for your room Additional services: massage, tickets to city events, lunches and dinners, newspapers.
For fans of independent tourism, you can rent a bike ($5-10/day) or a car ($5-10/day) at any hotel; the asphalt roads here are ideal, so driving is a pleasure. Thais see the meaning of life in children, and therefore pay increased attention to them, especially to foreign ones. In a cafe they may be brought fruit as a compliment, or even a toy, they will select the best table and try to speak to them in English.
Cooks in restaurants are very attentive to guests and take into account their wishes regarding the moderate spiciness of the dish, which should be warned about. Among the traditional cuisine there are also European establishments, McDonald's and other well-known fast food chains. The price of lunch for two in a Thai "eatery" is $3-6 for two, in a cafe - $6-10, in a decent restaurant with wine and delicacies - $37, several liters of water per day - $1.
Thailand pays great attention to the safety of its citizens, but they may still try to persistently drag you into “dark places.” If you make it clear that you don’t need it, they will leave you alone. The only unpleasant phenomenon on the islands is theft; taxi drivers (price per ride is $1) can round up the amount of the trip considerably, and in hotels money does not stay in a visible place for a long time - it is better to use a safe. There are no murders, robbery or dangerous viral diseases here.
Vacation prices
The cost of the tour per person includes flights, accommodation, meals, insurance and sometimes excursions (tour duration 7-14 nights).
A trip to Phuket costs one and a half times cheaper than to Samui. This is due to its location and the absence direct flight. February is the most expensive month for traveling to any southern country, as it has the advantages of favorable climatic conditions compared to autumn season rains, when the tourism business practically ceases to operate. But even during the “peak” season, you can catch a last minute trip at a low price or book a tour in advance.
But you shouldn’t refuse cheap autumn or summer tours for fear of rain. In fact, the concept velvet season" is also exaggerated, as are rumors of daily heavy rain during the autumn months. Yes, there is a lot of rainfall in October, but mostly at night, and by morning all the streets dry out. The tropical climate has a capricious and unbalanced “character”, which means you can expect “meanness” from it even in winter, and in autumn, in turn, it can please you with a series of sunny summer days.
It is enough to look at the weather forecast to avoid showers, and use the saved money on entertainment. And, of course, it is better to choose a tour online - this will also significantly reduce costs, because travel agencies They not only add a percentage to the cost of the tour, but also try to sell those that are more expensive.
All inclusive or breakfast
“All inclusive” is a fairly common food system when purchasing week-long tours around the world, and sometimes you have to pay an extra 20-30% of the total tour cost for it. In the case of European or American countries, this is a rather advantageous offer, because separate meals outside the hotel will seriously hit your pocket, since these countries are famous for the high prices for services, food and entertainment. But is this really justified in Thailand?
A country whose language doesn't even have the word "hunger" boasts an abundance of seafood, meat, vegetables and fruits all year round. Their cost is low, and therefore, even taking into account the payment for the services of a cook, waiters and room rental included in the price tag of the dish, you will not be able to feel awkward when paying in restaurants.
Therefore for Asian countries It’s better to choose a hotel with breakfast, where if you are too lazy to get up buffet early in the morning, you can ask to pack a couple of dishes and drinks with you. And given the country’s developed infrastructure and wide range of entertainment, tourists are unlikely to want to spend the whole day in a hotel, which means they will miss out on the “package” meals they paid for.
Beaches
The most versatile beach on Koh Samui is Chaweng. Shallow sea, clean sand, water attractions are ideal conditions for couples with children. Young people can sunbathe and make friends here during the daytime, and go here at night for a disco. The only thing missing here is silence. Lamai is not much quieter than the previous one and is also designed for a wide age range, but is notable for the opportunity to rent a house right on the shore from local residents for more favorable price than in hotels.
Bang Rak is also suitable for renting housing, and although its bottom is rocky and shallow, the prices will pleasantly surprise you. For solitude, you should go to the small but cozy Coral Cove, the elite Thong Son and the quiet Hua Thanon - the sea is clean, there is no entertainment, there are few tourists. Picturesque and safe beaches with a gentle slope include: Thongtakian, Bophut. They are protected from waves by rocks, there is a lot of entertainment and grocery stores nearby - perfect place for children. Choeng Mon is known for the Russian-speaking diaspora, which is founded here every year, and Maenam is a deep bottom from the first steps.
Getting to know the beaches of Phuket usually starts from Patong. Parties, fresh drinks and alcoholic drinks, water attractions, and a convenient location attract tourists who are unpretentious about the cleanliness of the beach and a measured, relaxing holiday. But the neighboring Freedom is clean and quiet, but you need to work hard to sunbathe there - the path is about 1 km on foot through the jungle.
Also, hunters for silence will like the wild Mai Khao and Banana - very beautiful beaches, but difficult to reach. With a child it is better to go to Kamala, Karon, Kata, Nai Harn - snow-white fine sand, there are almost no waves, the water is clear. Surin will surprise you with pine trees instead of palm trees, and Bang Tao with its high level of service and elite spas on the coast.
Vacation with children
Koh Samui has a wealth of animal-centered attractions. The main zoo on the island “Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo” ($14 for children, $23 for adults) is dedicated to the kingdom of tigers, birds and sea creatures. The highlight of this zoo is the opportunity to feed the animals, pet them and take pictures with them. A " Paradise Park Farm" ($3 for children, $12 for adults) offers children contact with domestic animals: hedgehogs, rabbits, iguanas, etc. They are tame and love attention.
But if children have reached 8 years of age and are ready for a more exciting acquaintance with wildlife, then “Samui Snake Farm” ($9) and “Samui Crocodile Farm” ($8 - children, $16 - adults) will leave a lasting impression on young visitors, because they not only demonstrate the life of crocodiles and snakes from birth to adulthood , but they also prepare exciting shows with the participation of these predators - trainers twist them by their tails, stick their heads into their mouths and sit on their backs.
Phuket is considered one of the family resorts, so find exciting leisure time It's not difficult for a child on this island. The most desirable attraction for a child is considered to be the Splash Jungle water park ($23 for children, $46 for adults): pools with artificial waves and winding slides are designed for extreme levels of extreme sports for any age. The mini-golf course sounds boring for children, but its name is justifiably intriguing - “Dino Park” ($3 for children, $4 for adults). The fact is that you don’t have to play golf, but wandering around the territory with giant dinosaurs emitting a loud and terrifying roar is very interesting.
Fascinating circus shows with the participation of elephants and buffaloes are held at Phuket Fantasea ($60 - basic ticket price, $66 - with dinner and transfer). The performances themselves are not only interesting, but also educational - in colors and faces, Thai actors will tell about the history of Thailand in such a way that the information will involuntarily be remembered and stored for many years. All this will be accompanied by special effects, creating a feeling of four-dimensional space.
Shopping
High-quality goods at a low price are the main reason shopaholics love this country. Markets and supermarkets in Thailand are always full of people, but it would be great luck to get here in Chinese New Year when the price tag of goods drops almost to cost. Discounts on global brands “Adidas”, “Nike”, “Marks&Spencer” can reach 90%, but don’t turn your nose up at clothes made by Thais - these clothes are valued no less than those from world designers. It is made from natural materials and lasts for a long time.
The cost of casual clothing varies from $10, fur and evening dresses - from $600 to $3000. Jewelry and decorations are considered a good investment - they are much cheaper here: 13 $/g (750 gold). Be sure to try Thai cosmetics and medicines from the Tropicana and Sabai Arom brands - toothpastes, ointments, creams, balms, tinctures with coconut oil and even snake and bee venom. Their prices are inexpensive, and the effect is amazing. As gifts you can buy keychains, boxes, interior items in the form of Buddha or elephant figurines - from $1 to $20.
In tourist markets and streets, souvenirs are always more expensive, but you can bargain. The best of them on Koh Samui is “Night Market”, and in Phuket – “Phuket Chatuchak”. In shopping centers, prices are fixed, but they have everything. The largest ones on Samui are “Central Festival” and “The Wharf”, in Phuket – “Jungceylon” and “Tesco Lotus”.
Conclusion
Tour operators most often offer Samui to couples because it is less built up entertainment centers and leads a rather reclusive life. Of course, there are discos, bars, and an amusement park, but you don’t have to choose. While Phuket will not make you wander the streets for long in search of good restaurant or a nightclub, which attracts crowds of young people here.
This question is naturally asked by almost every tourist planning to relax on the islands of Thailand. Of course for this complex issue there is no definite answer, but still Additional Information to decide whether to prefer Samui or Phuket, it will clearly not be superfluous.
After all, literally each of the islands of Thailand has its own “zest”, its own pros and cons, about which a lot has been written on our website. And yet, let’s try to answer this difficult question and compare holidays in Phuket and Samui.
What are the main differences between Phuket and Koh Samui?
Differences in weather.
Here you need to focus on the time of arrival of the rainy season. At this time, the sea is relatively cool, waves are often quite large, in which swimming may even be prohibited, and short-term rains often occur. The differences between Phuket and Koh Samui in terms of climate are that the beaches of Phuket are located on the side Andaman Sea, and the rainy season here lasts from May to October.
Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand and the rainy season lasts from November to February.
Therefore, it is necessary to look where during your holiday there will be more comfortable weather and calmer seas.
Much easier to get to.
Of course, in this matter the leader is Phuket, where there are own airport and there are good transport links to mainland Thailand.
The airport on Koh Samui only accepts local flights, and mainly uses sea transport, which may not be to everyone's taste.
Where is the sea better - Phuket or Koh Samui?
Here it is difficult to give primacy to any of the islands, although in each case the sea still has its own characteristics.
Everywhere the sea is simply wonderful, even on the most tourist beaches. We have already mentioned the rainy season and problems with waves during this period. In Phuket, swimming on many beaches is prohibited at this time. Therefore, holidays with children in the rainy season in Phuket are extremely undesirable.
Even on Patong Beach, which is famous for its calm sea due to the nature of its location, the sea is rough at this time. Only surfers, of whom there are many in Phuket at this time, can rejoice at this.
On the island of Koh Samui, there are almost no high waves during the rainy season, but there is another misfortune - frequent and strong low tides, during which the water moves a hundred meters or more from the shore, and the sea becomes quite shallow. Of course, this is a joy for children, but adults have to wade quite far in knee-deep water to swim.
And in the normal season, the sea is excellent both on Koh Samui and Phuket.
What can you say about the beaches of Phuket and Koh Samui?
Both there and there there are both crowded and completely secluded beaches. You can read more about them in the materials on our website about the beaches of Phuket and the beaches of Samui. Everywhere you can find a beach to your liking with all the amenities provided - umbrellas, sun loungers, palm trees, sand.
However, there is one “but” - in Phuket there are almost no hotels located on the seashore, on the first line. There is almost always an asphalt road between the hotel and the sea. And although there are almost no cars driving along it, you won’t be able to leave the hotel directly on the beach. There are no bungalows on the seashore here. Most resorts consist of multi-storey buildings.
On Koh Samui, the road passes behind the line of hotels, so there are no problems described above. There are quite a few bungalows and houses right on the beach, which is a definite plus of this island.
In general, we can say that the beaches on Koh Samui will be more beautiful, although picturesque corners are not uncommon in Phuket.
Where is the cheapest vacation?
Of course, Phuket can be called the most expensive island in Thailand.
Prices in hotels on Samui will be lower, but still not so much that this becomes the decisive argument in your choice. The differences are not very big, and if you go for a long time (a month), then there is almost no difference. On average, a hotel room will cost 5-6 thousand baht.
But the prices for everything else - food, entertainment, massage, etc. - about the same everywhere.
Where is the best place for shopping?
Of course Phuket takes the lead here because of the best transport communication with the mainland. There are several large shopping centers where you can check out branded collections and even get significant discounts on them.
Shopping on Samui is limited to one BigC hypermarket and many small shops with a traditional souvenir and T-shirt assortment.
Where should you go with children?
It is better to relax with children where there is a clean beach, a gentle slope into the sea, there is entertainment in the hotel (slides, children's rooms) and there is an opportunity to get additional entertainment(elephant riding, zoo). All this is available both on Koh Samui and Phuket. Children will be happy on any of these islands, just don't miss the rainy season.
What about nightlife?
Patong Beach in Phuket is a little Pattaya with WalkingStreet. Incendiary parties, discos, go-go, various bars for every taste - a guarantee that you will not be bored. Here Phuket has no competition.
Samui is much quieter in this regard, but Chaweng Beach will also offer nightlife lovers a variety of entertainment. From Koh Samui you can also go to the main party in Thailand - Full Moon Party (takes place on Koh Phangan, on the full moon). Phuket wasn’t even close to this!
What about other entertainment?
There will be more attractions in Phuket - temples, excursions to neighboring islands Racha Noi, Phi Phi, James Bond Island, diving tours to the Similan Islands.
There are no special attractions on Koh Samui, and the island itself is small. You can go to the neighboring islands of Koh Tao and Koh Phangan.
Where is a quieter holiday?
Traditionally, it is believed that Samui is more suitable for a calm, quiet and secluded holiday.
Only 50 minutes (ground transport - bus and ferry in total will take at least 7 hours).
In this article we will try to compare in detail and answer the question: “Which is better – Phuket or Koh Samui?” And give recommendations on which categories of tourists this or that place is suitable for. We'll look at everything point by point and then give recommendations.
Which is easier to get to: Koh Samui or Phuket?
Here the leader is undoubtedly the island of Phuket, since there are direct flights to it from Russia (flight time from Moscow is 9 hours). Although Koh Samui also has an airport, it is small and only accepts local flights. It is somewhat private, as it is owned by Bangkok Airways, which charges fairly high ticket prices.
In April 2012, the Thai newspaper Bangkok Post reported that it was planned to build a new international airport, 14 km from the old one. And it will host flights from almost all countries of the world. At the same time, the mayor of Samui claims in a local newspaper that there is no flat space on the island for a new airport, and a lot of money will have to be allocated to level the hills and it is not profitable. What will come of this, the future will show. If it does appear, then to the question: Which is better - Samui or Phuket in terms of accessibility, it will be the first island, since it takes 15-20 minutes to drive from the airport to the main beaches. While it takes at least 45 minutes to get to the main beaches of Patong.
Features of the sea
Both there and there everything is ok, it is clean even on popular and crowded beaches. But from May to October there are often high waves and red flags stick out on the coast warning that swimming is unsafe. Of course, if you are a good swimmer and won’t swim far, you can splash around in the waves. But if you are traveling, then he will have to be on the shore all the time, since meter-long waves are clearly not for children. Moreover, there are waves even in Patong, which is considered one of the calmest due to the peculiarities of its location. This time is good for surfers, not for beach holidays. The island is washed by the Andaman Sea, which is part of the ocean. Because of this, in 2004 there was a devastating tsunami, after which early warning equipment about the impending disaster was installed.
But on Samui there are practically no high waves. But here another misfortune occurs - frequent low tides from May to October, during which the water goes far from the shore (hundreds of meters) and the sea becomes quite shallow. This is great for children, but adults sometimes find it annoying to walk several hundred meters to finally swim up to their necks in water. Phuket does not suffer from this.
Party and secluded beaches
Both islands have party beaches and practically “wild” beaches.
On Samui, even the most popular ones - Chaweng and Lamai - there are few people. There are more people in Phuket. Both Koh Samui and Phuket have all the conditions for relaxation - sun loungers, sun umbrellas, White sand, spreading palm trees.
Comparison of Phuket and Koh Samui by hotels
The main disadvantage of Phuket is the almost complete absence of hotels on the first line, since there is an asphalt road between them and the sea. Even relatively wild beaches that are in the north-west (,) still have asphalt, although motorbikes and cars almost never drive on it. The only exception is a few isolated beaches in the south, near. There are small bungalows right on the coast. True, this coast is only 50 meters long.
On Koh Samui it’s exactly the opposite. Although there is also a ring road there, it does not pass near the sea. There are hotels on the beaches, and behind them the highway begins. This is an indisputable advantage of the island, because... many tourists want their house to be right on the beach.
In Phuket, hotels with several floors and buildings predominate, while in Koh Samui there are a lot of bungalows and detached houses.
As for hotel prices in Phuket, they are generally more expensive, although if you try, you can find cheap accommodation. If you rent for a month, the prices are almost the same - on both islands you can rent a room for 5000-6000 baht.
Climate
If you compare which is better than Phuket or Koh Samui in terms of climate, then the choice will be with the latter. In Phuket, the rainy season is generally very pronounced. From May to October, the sun can be behind the clouds all week, rain - every other day or every day (though only for 1-2 hours), waves on the sea, God forbid! But on Samui at this time it is much calmer, a large amount of precipitation falls only in October-November, so this a good place for holidays during the “wet” season, which lasts in Thailand from May to November.
Prices
Traditionally, Phuket is considered the most expensive resort Thailand, but this only applies to prices for hotels and taxis. Everything else is not that expensive - food, massage, motorbike rental. Public buses run from almost all beaches to (the capital of the island), where travel costs from 25 to 50 baht.
And in the capital you can see, climb, visit the night market and the largest shopping center on the island - Central Festival. Not far from it is Tesco Lotus, where, for example, they sell large fish for 17 baht, a kilogram of chicken legs for 60 baht. So in terms of products, Phuket is not that expensive.
As for housing in Phuket, you can also find inexpensive offers for 400-500 baht per day and 4000-5000 baht per month (of course, not near the sea).
Shopping
If you answer the question of what to choose Phuket or Samui in terms of shopping, then definitely Phuket. There are large shopping centers– Central Festival, Jung Ceylon, Robinson, not to mention a bunch of Tesco Lotus and Big C. Here you can buy everything, absolutely everything! Souvenirs, latex, jewelry, equipment, iPhones, laptops, phones, etc.
There are few shopping centers on Koh Samui. Of course, the selection of goods is noticeably worse. But if your goal is to shop cheaply in Thailand, then it’s better to generally settle in Pattaya or Bangkok - prices there are the lowest in the country.
Entertainment
Phuket has no equal here. On Patong Beach, in the area of the street (and on the street itself) there are all the main parties of the island. There are a dozen, a bunch of bars (sports, drinking, with live music), Go-Go bars, restaurants, all kinds of shows, a lot of interesting things for single men. If you are a party animal and love nightlife, then your choice is definitely Phuket.
On Koh Samui, entertainment is mainly found in the Chaweng Beach area and to a lesser extent in Lamai. But after sunset, life here is not in full swing as much as in Phuket. Fewer bars and discos, and generally less everything.
But everything changes when Fool Moon Parties take place every month on Koh Phangan, the island neighboring Samui. It is very easy to get to and then you can take part in a grandiose rave under open air– Phuket never dreamed of such a thing! Thousands of people from all over the world listen to techno music. Basically, the whole party is located on Had Rin beach, which is the closest to Koh Samui.
There are more water activities in Phuket, although not on all beaches.
Where are the best excursions in Phuket or Koh Samui?
Phuket has more interesting attractions, including temples. Plus, from here you can travel to the neighboring islands (Racha, Yao, a little further - Lanta) and resorts (,). Diving tours, for example, to the Similan and Surin Islands, are also popular. You can get to all of them quite quickly, since Phuket is connected to the mainland by a bridge along which buses and minivans run to the nearest resorts.
But Samui is located an hour and a half from the mainland, and in fact there is nothing particularly interesting in this part of Thailand. There are attractions on the island itself, albeit few. Trips to the islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao are popular.
Ecology
There are fewer cars and motorcycles on Koh Samui, and there is actually only one main road. Central part occupy the jungle. All tourist areas of the island are more reminiscent of small villages with 1-3-story buildings.
There are fewer forests and more transport in Phuket. There is no smell of villages here; all the resorts are full of 5-8-story buildings, some have skyscrapers.
Diving
From Phuket it is easy to go to the most popular islands of Thailand for diving: Similan, Surin and others. The world of the Andaman Sea is considered richer than that of the Gulf of Thailand. From Samui they go to Koh Tao Island– there are also quite a lot of coral reefs with exotic inhabitants.
Family holidays with children
Koh Samui and Phuket have calm, non-party beaches where you can relax with children (although there are still more of them on the former). There are zoos, all kinds of shows of crocodiles, elephants, snakes. There will be something to do.
Long-term stay: where is better Samui or Phuket
If the sea, uncrowded beaches and bounty are important to you, then it’s better to long term hang out on Koh Samui (from a month). If you prefer proximity to civilization and well-developed infrastructure, then Phuket. In principle, you can stay there for the rest of your life, there are all the conditions for this - inexpensive guesthouses and separate standing houses, restaurants, shops, markets, bars, nightlife, for men - available girls.
Total: which is better in Thailand than Samui or Phuket?
Pros of Phuket: well-developed infrastructure with hotels, bars, nightclubs, restaurants and shops; lots of entertainment and excursions; easy to reach from Russia; best shopping and diving opportunities.
Cons of Phuket: from May to October there is often rain and a lot of waves on the sea; There are practically no hotels on the first line; higher prices; the environment is worse.
Pros of Samui: more greenery and untouched nature; full of hotels on the first line; prices are slightly lower; The climate is better, you can relax even during the rainy season.
Cons of Samui: there are no direct flights from Russia, which means you will have to get there with a transfer in Bangkok or Phuket; There are fewer opportunities for shopping, excursions, entertainment and diving.
Phuket is better than Samui for you if you...
budget tourist, since there are direct flights from Russia (accommodation prices are not much more expensive than Samui); an active person who loves nightlife; a single man in search of exotic entertainment; shopaholic; diver or surfer.
Samui is better than Phuket for you if you...
want a relaxing holiday in the lap of nature and are tired of the fast pace large resorts; We were going to relax in Thailand during the rainy season (May - October).
Many tourists who decide to relax in Thailand have the problem of choosing a resort. In this article we will look at the choice between the most popular islands in Thailand: Koh Samui and Phuket.
Location
Koh Samui is located on the eastern side of mainland Thailand, in the waters of the Gulf of Thailand, which belongs to the basin Pacific Ocean. Phuket is located on the western side of the mainland and is washed by the waters of the Andaman Sea, which belongs to the Indian Ocean.
The distance between the islands in a straight line is about 250 kilometers.
Both islands are located close to the Thai mainland. Phuket is connected to the mainland by a bridge about 700 meters long, and you can cross to Samui by ferry, which covers the distance from Donsak port to Samui (about 32 kilometers) from 45 minutes to an hour and a half (depending on the type of ferry).
Size
The area of Phuket is about 543 km², the population is 361 thousand people, the highest point of the island is 529 meters. The area of Samui is 228 km², the population is 45 thousand people, the highest point of the island is 529 meters.
That is, Phuket is a little more than 2 times larger than Samui in size, but at the same time it is home to 8 times more inhabitants.
Entertainment
Both Koh Samui and Phuket will offer you many interesting excursions and entertainment. In general, there is more choice of entertainment in Phuket, but there is also something to see in Koh Samui.
Fans of sea excursions from Phuket can visit the Phi Phi and James Bond Islands. Departs from Koh Samui no less interesting excursion to the Ang Thong Islands, you can also take one day excursion to Koh Tao on the triple island or even move for a few days to neighboring Phangan or Koh Tao.
If we compare the most popular beaches: Patong on Phuket and on Koh Samui, it should be noted that Patong is much larger both in size and in the number of entertainments. In comparison, Chaweng seems like a very secluded beach with few people.
But in Phuket there are very cozy beaches for lovers of a relaxing holiday.
Climate
Even though Samui and Phuket are close to each other, weather conditions can differ significantly. We have already told you (see article) that the season on Samui lasts from December to August-September.
In Phuket, the most favorable weather is observed from December to mid-April. The rest of the year there is a high chance of rain. Apart from the rains, you cannot swim in the sea in Phuket from May to November due to very large waves.
Tsunami
December 26, 2004 in depth Indian Ocean An earthquake occurred, which resulted in numerous tsunamis that hit the shores of several Asian countries. Among others, Phuket was also hit: at least 250 people died, including tourists, and many beaches and hotels were destroyed.
Fortunately, similar disasters are quite rare. In addition, after the 2004 tsunami, a tsunami warning system was created in Thailand: special buoys are placed far out in the sea to register the tsunami wave, and loudspeakers are located on the island to warn about the threat; there are arrows on the beaches showing evacuation routes to higher ground. So now death from a tsunami is very unlikely.
However, even if you are safe, if a wave hits the shores of Phuket, your vacation will be ruined. Moreover, there were cases of false alarms, as a result of which thousands of tourists and local residents evacuated from the beaches and sat for several hours waiting for the wave to arrive. Agree that this is not very pleasant.
Samui, being in the Gulf of Thailand, is protected from tsunami waves from all sides. So this natural disaster does not threaten you here.
Airport and air travel
Air travel is the fastest and most enjoyable way to travel. Both Koh Samui and Phuket have airports, so you can get off the plane on either island.
Note that an unremarkable airport awaits you in Phuket, while the airport on Samui is outstanding (). However, you will not spend most of your vacation at the airport, so I would not attach much importance to this fact.
But it’s worth paying attention to the airline. The fact is that only people fly to Samui (there are a couple more Thai flights, but this does not change the situation) who, taking advantage of their monopoly position, set relatively high prices for flights.
No one has such a monopoly in Phuket and other airlines fly there, in particular the well-known low-cost airline Air Asia. If you buy tickets in advance, you can save a lot, but keep in mind that low-cost airlines are only cheap if you don’t pay extra for luggage, meals, etc.
And one more thing: in Bangkok, Air Asia flies from the old airport, which does not accept international flights. That is, if you plan to fly to Bangkok and immediately go to Phuket, you will have to take a taxi (add costs) from one airport to another.
In general, in terms of flights, you can save a little in the case of Phuket, but most likely not much.
However, some airlines fly directly to Phuket, without stopping in Bangkok. If you have already been to the capital of Thailand and seen everything (and there is a lot of interesting things there), then this option may be the best. Therefore, it makes sense to look for tickets not only to Bangkok, but also to your final destination.
What to choose? Koh Samui or Phuket?
Koh Samui and Phuket have a lot in common and a lot of differences. What to choose depends on your personal preferences. I advise you to visit both places and then decide which you like best.
If you are planning your holiday in Thailand from May to September, then due to weather conditions I recommend choosing Koh Samui. Are you going on vacation from December to April? It will be good either way, but since you can go to Koh Samui in the summer, maybe you should choose Phuket? Are you going in the fall? Forget about Samui and Phuket and choose completely different resorts (at this time in Thailand you can go to Koh Chang or Pattaya).
As you know, resorts in Thailand are incredibly popular among lovers of beach and sea holidays. If you are planning to go to the islands, then you will definitely have a question: “What to choose - Phuket or Koh Samui, where is it better to relax?” Of course, making a choice is not at all easy, however, knowing more information, you can decide on your preferences.
Islands of Thailand
There are more than 250 islands in Thailand, but not all of them are well equipped. Naturally, choosing this country As a place to relax, tourists prefer to relax on the ennobled islands. Like, for example, Samui or Phuket.
In the second of them, the process of formation and development of civilization was much more dynamic. Already in the fifteenth century, local residents actively used the advantageous location of the land and developed the economy. At the same time, the inhabitants of Koh Samui lived a rather wild life in their bungalows. Today, such large differences between the islands have been practically erased. Tourism is developing quite actively in each of them. Now the islands have become competitors. And yet, historical aspects still define the characteristics of Koh Samui and Phuket. Each of them has its own characteristics. For example, Phuket is interesting as a place for active rest. The island has a fairly active nightlife. But Samui is preferred by those holidaymakers who, on the contrary, want to take a break from the fast pace of big cities. Therefore, in order to decide where it is better to relax - on Phuket or Koh Samui - you need to know all the features of each of them.
Weather difference
In order to make the right choice, it is worth knowing the weather differences between the islands. If you do not want to spoil your vacation, then you do not need to come to the islands during the rainy season. During such periods, the water is not very warm, it often rains and there are waves. It would seem that Samui and Phuket are quite close, and yet there are differences in their climatic conditions. This is due to the fact that the coast of Phuket is located on the Andaman Sea. The rainy season here lasts from May to the end of October. But Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand, so the rainy season here lasts from November to February. Knowing these features of the islands, it is easy to make a choice based on your vacation time.
Of course, Samui is the most attractive place in terms of weather, because it only rains a few months a year. But in Phuket, the high season lasts from March to April. At this time there are always a lot of tourists on the island. The air temperature fluctuates within + 30 degrees, and there is no precipitation at all.
Where is it easier and faster to get to?
So, which is better: Samui or Phuket? Last but not least, the answer to this question depends on how convenient it is to get to a particular resort. Of course, Phuket wins in terms of air travel, since there are five direct flights to the island from Moscow every day. But there are no direct flights from other regions of the country.
How to get to Phuket and Koh Samui? If we figured out the first one, then the road to the second one is more complicated. The fact is that there are simply no direct flights to the island. Samui Airport serves domestic flights only. Therefore, tourists will probably have to buy tickets to Bangkok, and then take a ferry. Perhaps in the future the situation will change and getting to Samui will be easier.
Which resort is cheaper?
When assessing which is better - Samui or Phuket - many are based on the cost of the holiday. Phuket can confidently be called the most expensive resort in Thailand. The island is more urbanized and densely populated. It looks more like a metropolis. According to experts, Samui is definitely more cheap resort. Of course, if you want to save money, you can cut down on your needs, but still many people want to allow themselves to relax and fully enjoy their vacation.
Staying on Koh Samui will cost much less. Prices for food, shopping, and entertainment are much lower. Holidays on the island are more suitable for those tourists who want to relax their soul and body.
On Koh Samui you can allow yourself to completely relax and live in a traditional bungalow on the very shore, enjoy the deserted beach and go fruit shopping on the local market. Here you are guaranteed a quiet, calm and measured holiday. This is the dream of any resident of a noisy metropolis.
As for Phuket, it is chosen by people who value a higher level of service and entertainment. Prices for food, services and hotels here are indeed higher, which is quite logical for a popular resort.
Resort infrastructure
Phuket is one of the few islands in Thailand where civilization began to develop quite early. And the last century has become very significant for the island. Phuket has always had a significant impact on the country's economy, but its tourism potential was only appreciated in the 60s. It was during this period that restaurants, hotels and roads began to be built. It’s hard to imagine, but in just one decade the island turned into an incredibly popular resort that all avid travelers wanted to visit. But Samui began to develop in the 70s. A popular island became only in the 90s.
To be fair, it is worth noting that there is a big difference in infrastructure development between resorts. In Phuket you can find everything: restaurants, hotels, entertainment, clubs, shopping centers, attractions, spas, shopping centers and much more. There are similar facilities on Samui, but there are much fewer of them, and they are much more modest. Of course, Phuket can easily be called a leader in infrastructure. IN this issue It doesn’t even make sense to compare Samui and Phuket. The leading position is occupied by the second island.
Transfer Phuket - Samui
It is worth noting that the islands are located in completely different oceans, so it is impossible to reach them only by sea. But despite this, the connection between them is well established. The distance from Phuket to Samui is about 350 kilometers. And yet there are plenty of options to get from one island to another - by bus, plane, taxi, plane and ferry.
One of the fastest and easiest options is air travel. Because of geographical features The direct distance between the islands is 80 kilometers less than along the routes of communication. How long does it take to fly from Phuket to Koh Samui? The flight takes about an hour, and the ticket costs 5,600 rubles.
Most budget option is a bus. If you do not want to spend money on air tickets, you can also use by land transport. But it is worth remembering that, in addition to the bus, you will also have to take the ferry. There is simply no way to get from Phuket to Koh Samui without transfers. Such a journey takes up to six hours, and in fact the whole day is wasted, since night flights do not exist in nature. As for the fare, it depends on the carrier.
If you decide to travel by bus and ferry from Phuket to Samui, the fare will cost you about 800 rubles.
Those tourists who love comfort can be offered to use a taxi service. Cars move along the same route as buses. However, such a trip will cost you more than a flight, so when traveling by taxi it makes sense to find travel companions. The taxi ride takes approximately five hours.
Very often, when vacationing in Thailand, holidaymakers rent transport to be able to travel freely. If you rented a bike or car, you can get to the ferry yourself and cross it along with your vehicles.
Beaches of the islands
When discussing the advantages and disadvantages of resorts, of course, it is worth remembering their beaches, because it is for them that tourists go on long journeys. Phuket and Samui are simply made for a beach holiday. Their long coastlines will delight any holidaymaker. There are youth, elite, children's and even nudist beaches here. Still, there are differences between the beaches of the islands. An incredible number of tourists vacation in popular Phuket. Therefore its beaches are more polluted. As for Samui, its coastline is cleaner. Local beaches less crowded and more natural. There are times in Phuket when swimming is prohibited due to rough seas. But there are no waves on Koh Samui. There the sea is very calm and quiet.
If you dream of relaxing right on sea coast, then you should definitely choose Koh Samui. On the island you can rent a bungalow built right on the coastal sand and enjoy the sound of the sea throughout your vacation.
But in Phuket you are unlikely to be able to find a similar option, since all the hotels are quite far from the sea.
Nature
Since Phuket has been the most popular resort Thailand, its territory is still being built up. Now the island already resembles a metropolis. And some are all beautiful natural places managed to save. If tourists wish, they can see parks, waterfalls, jungles, coral reefs and underwater inhabitants.
As for Samui, in terms of nature the island is more attractive. There are no high-rise buildings and the constant hum of cars. Oddly enough, a large number of vacationers come to Koh Samui, but the island does not follow the path of Phuket. It is in the interests of the country to fully preserve the unique nature of the island so that there is a contrast of directions tourist recreation. When going to Koh Samui, you can be sure that coral reefs await you there, sandy beaches and coconut trees.
Resort hotels
Finding accommodation on the islands for your vacation is not a problem at all. There are modern hotels and original bungalows in a romantic style. However, it is worth considering the fact that there are absolutely no beach hotels in Phuket. A big mistake was made when developing the island. After the sandy coast there is a road, it turns out that beach hotels simply do not exist in nature. Therefore, if you want to live by the sea, you should go to Koh Samui.
Where is it more comfortable to relax with children?
If you are planning to go there, you should choose a place with clean beaches, children's entertainment and a gentle approach to the sea. All this is available in Phuket and Koh Samui. It’s comfortable to relax on both islands with kids. The only thing you need to remember is that on Koh Samui the sea is quieter and calmer; there are never waves here. And this is very important for children.
Entertainment for tourists
When going on vacation, many tourists want to have a blast and visit nightclubs. In terms of plans, Phuket undoubtedly wins. There is a whole street with all kinds of nightlife establishments, which is in itself an attraction of the resort. Samui in this regard is more quiet place. Even if you find night club on the island, its scope cannot be compared with the establishments of Phuket.
As for attractions, they are all located in Phuket. Koh Samui is a very small island that has only natural beauty.
Phuket and Koh Samui: reviews from tourists
The Thai islands are amazing holiday destinations. Each of them is good in its own way. Before you decide where to go on vacation, it is worth deciding on your priorities and thinking about how you see your vacation. Phuket and Samui - this is fundamental different places, which offer diametrically different opportunities and conditions. According to experienced tourists, Phuket should be chosen by those people who value comfort, attractions, nightlife and developed infrastructure. If you like natural beauty and relaxing holiday on the very shore of the sea, then best place than Samui, you simply cannot find it. Therefore, when making a choice, listen to yourself: what do you want to receive - holiday or peace.
